Payton seeks Parcells' counsel

Associated Press

Published 9:08 pm, Tuesday, March 27, 2012

PALM BEACH, Fla. — Sean Payton is checking to see if mentor Bill Parcells would run the New Orleans Saints while he serves a penalty for allowing an assistant coach and players to operate a crunch-for-cash bounty system.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the Saints were sanctioned for targeting specific opponents, Payton said Tuesday he will soon decide whether to appeal his suspension, which begins Sunday. Commissioner Roger Goodell said he would allow the appeal.

Payton also said he was meeting with Parcells, who lives near Palm Beach, site of the NFL meetings, to discuss the plan for the season.

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“For me to be down here, if I didn't call him or try to set up a time to see him, I'd probably get his wrath,” Payton said.

Payton said he, general manager Mickey Loomis — who is facing an eight-game suspension — and owner Tom Benson are weighing various scenarios. Among them: Does Parcells want to coach?

If Parcells returned to the sideline, he may have to wait another five years before becoming eligible for the Hall of Fame again. Parcells, who turns 71 in August, may not want to wait that long. Asked by Sports Illustrated on Monday if he had a desire to coach another team, Parcells said, “I don't think so.”

If Payton appeals, and he has until Monday, Goodell said he would “probably” allow him to continue working past the intended start of his season-long suspension. Goodell also said he would expedite the appeal process and his decision, meaning Payton might only get a few more days of work before having to step aside.